American Medical Association

Rule Changes

Filed amicus brief supporting respondent

For decades, more than half of U.S. states required injured patients to obtain expert affidavits before filing medical malpractice lawsuits—a screening mechanism designed to filter frivolous claims. On January 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that these state requirements don't apply when patients sue in federal court.

Updated May 22

Rule Changes

Recognized obesity as disease in 2013

Medicare has been banned from covering weight loss drugs since 2003. CMS launched BALANCE in December 2025, a voluntary model offering $50-per-month Ozempic and Wegovy access for 10% of Medicare enrollees starting July 2026.

Updated May 16